Six Beautiful Hair Styles for Natural 4C Hair

Since I decided to go natural searching for new fun hair styles has been a journey and am really not a fan of weaves and braids. My natural 4C hair journey started two years back where I finally made the big chop. There are several reasons I decided to go down this road mainly because of the many life threatening side effects associated with relaxers. The difficult part was cutting of my shoulder length hair, it really was the trickiest part of the whole process but I realized one thing if I never appreciate my real hair the way it is, how would I ever be able to tell my future daughter that her hair is perfect just the way it is and God does not make mistakes (sort of proclaiming my black power/heritage). The first step was to let my natural 4C hair grow for about a month without touching up the roots then I had my barber cut off the straight permed hair and finally shave my head even so I had a mini afro. I decided earlier on that I would avoid using heat (a blow dryer) to straighten out my tight kinks because let’s face it you only go through the big chop to enjoy wearing that Afro and the afro puff and excessive use of heat would cause my hair to remain straight and not curl. So now two years down the line my current hair length when stretched out is 12 cms but it is a journey and I have a long way to go to reach Mr. Harlem’s length. The best moisturizer for my hair I have come to discover is quite simple; water and am sure many people with natural hair can attest to that. So as I braid my hair before bed time I add water to soften out my hair. 

My favorite oils:

1.       Olive oil for shine and strength,

2.       Coconut oil for moisture and health,

3.       Shea butter seals in moisture,

4.       Glycerine to add moisture when it gets really dry

 also see 5 natural remedies for fuller and longer hair

For the list above my hair type is actually dry like my skin type many of you may probable be wondering what 4C hair type is, It that really kinky African hair with real tight coils that kind of look like an “O” when it breaks off. See the diagram below for your hair type

So currently my hair is 12 cm long when stretched out and curls back down to 5cm after a wash (shrinkage is real). Currently my go to hair styles are short Afro or High Afro puff. But since am feeling my hair is at a point it can do more I decided to look around for some inspirations and here are my top looks for an all-natural Hair style with my overall vision being Benny’s natural hair length in 6 years( Scroll to the bottom of the page if you are curious who Benny is). 

Focusing on 4C hair here are a few natural hair styles for both short and longer natural 4C hair:

A)     The AFro

1.       Short Afro: I use to wear my hair like this because it is cute and still professional and just beautiful.

Foods That Boost Your Immune System

Meats by Wikimedia

Immunity is your body’s ability to fight off infections, diseases or other unwanted biological invasions while at the same time avoiding allergies or other autoimmune diseases. To maintain a healthy immune system or boost your immune system most doctors recommend exercising, eating healthy as well as avoiding smoking and saturated fats. Some signs and symptoms of a weak immune system include fatigue, rashes, mild fevers, joint pains, hair loss, headaches and reoccurring infections. However to determine whether you have an immune disorder or weak immune system your doctor will perform a blood test. The test will check if you have a healthy amount of infection fighting proteins (immunoglobulin) in your blood as well as your levels of blood cells and immune system cells.

There are simple ways to maintain a healthy immune system and boost your immune system for both adults and children by

·         Regular exercise

·         Washing your hands regularly

·         Avoid smoking and second hand smoke

·         Get enough sleep

·         Avoid over use of antibiotic (only use antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor)

·         Eating a healthy and balanced diet

There certain foods in particular that help boost, maintain and regulate the healthy functions of your body’s immune systems. Foods that boost your immune system or help protect a weak immune system include:

1.      Iron rich foods

Meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, legumes, nuts, seeds, dried fruits and cruciferous vegetables

10 Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Dark Chocolate by Simon A. Eugster from Wikipedia Common

High blood pressure is no longer an illness affecting the older segment of our population due to the added pressure put on the younger generation and the change in our daily diet. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when your blood pressure is 140/90 mmhg or more for a sustained period of time. The symptoms you may experience with hypertension include headaches, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, nosebleeds, breathlessness and palpitations.

Common Causes of High Blood Pressure

• Obesity causes the heart to work harder increasing your blood pressure.
• Excessive salt in snacks and food will impair nitric oxide in your body, nitric oxide regulates blood pressure by dilating arteries which improves blood flow.
• Smoking is another cause of hypertension which narrows your arteries thus increasing your blood pressure.

Why You Need That Bottle of Water

Our bodies are made up of 60% water, these bodily fluids are essential in aiding digestion, circulation, absorption and transporting of nutrients as well as maintaining body’s temperature. Every day we lose water from our bodies from perspiration, urine and other bodily functions therefore maintaining the balance of body fluids can only be achieved by replenishing the fluids lost. Some doctors recommend consuming 3 to 2 liters of water a day to maintain a healthy body. Though the more popular notion is the “8 by 8” rule, that is 8 glasses of water a day ( about 1.9 liters) since we still take in water from fresh fruits, vegetables and other beverages. However caffeinated drinks and alcohol tend to dehydrate your body only fresh juices are recommended due to the added benefits of vitamins and minerals. In addition most beverages have the disadvantage of calories which will lead to weight gain if taken in excess. Therefore a glass of water is the best alternative to be taken with every meal or snack.

A glass of mineral water by Walter J. Pilsak from Wikimedia Commons

Importance of Water

1. Water promotes healthy glowing skin and believe it or not actually prevents wrinkles. This is because dehydration tends to dry out your skin leaving it dull and ten times older in

My Kitchen Beauty Spa

My Kitchen Beauty Spa: Natural & Organic Beauty Secrets: A Quick and Easy Guide to Homemade Face & Body Scrubs, Skin Lighteners, Foot Baths, Hair Treatments and Hair Removal Recipes: Buy AT Amazon

5 Natural Remedies For Dry and Cracked Feet

Cracked and dry heels can be an embarrassment to you and even prevent you from wearing your favorite pair of open shoes or sandals. Most cracked heel develops from dry skin caused by excess heat, skin infection and walking around bare foot. Here are some natural remedies you can use to get beautiful soft feet.

Beautiful heel by Stilfehler via Wikipedia Commons

Diet

A diet s rich in vitamin E such as broccoli, papaya, avocados and almonds can help prevent cracked feet. Read more on dietary needs see Live Strong

Banana Foot Bath

Banana is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that protect and heal damaged skin and cracked heels. Banana exfoliates your skin removing dead skin cells at the same time moisturizing your feet. To prepare a banana foot bath, blend or mash up one banana with 2 cup of warm water until smooth. Then pour the mixture into a small basin or bucket and place your feet into the solution. Allow you feet to soak in the mixture for 20 minutes. Then rub the solution over your toes and heels for about 2 minutes using a pumice stone. Then rinse off with water and moisturize.

5 Naturals Ways To Have Full and Long Healthy Hair

There several chemicals in hair products and in our external environment that damage our hair over time. Treating your hair to prevent product build up or breakage will allow you to develop strong and healthy hair. Here are some hair masks and treatments you can try all using natural and organic ingredients.

Beautiful natural hair from Wikipedia Commons

Apples Juice Treatment

Apple juice is great in preventing hair loss, dandruff, itchy scalp and adding an extra shine to your hair. Apple juice also makes your hair soft and easy to manage. Malic acid in apple juice prevents